Laser Resurfacing

Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers includes lasers such as the Pearl, Pearl Fractional and Fraxel CO2 re:pair. Each varies in aggressiveness, downtime and number of treatments to achieve the desired results. The Fraxel CO2 re:pair laser treats deeper lines and acne scarring. It is often used to resurface wrinkles of both the lower eyelid and upper lip and deep wrinkles of the cheeks. Recovery time from ablative laser treatment is slightly longer with most patients being socially acceptable with make-up or camouflage 2 weeks after treatment. Patients treated with Ablative lasers will have pinkness of the treated areas which usually disappears 6 weeks after CO2 laser therapy.

Pearl

Pearl is the "one laser to choose" to renew your skin's surface with quick, visible results. Pearl treats fine lines on the face and neck, uneven skin texture and light & dark spots caused by sun damage. It can be used in younger patients from 30-45 years of age During a Pearl treatment, the top layer of the skin is treated with pulses of light. A portion of the epidermis (skin surface) is gently removed and a natural protective dressing is formed on the skin's surface. Most patients feel a series of brief pinches during the treatments. After 3-4 days, the protective dressing peels off revealing new, healthy, vibrant skin underneath.

The Pearl laser replaces the entire top sun-damaged layer of skin with new healthy skin. Simultaneously, it sends heat to deeper layers of the skin stimulating new collagen growth, filling out and decreasing fine lines and fine wrinkles. New collagen growth continues up to 6 weeks post-treatment. The combination of new skin and decreased wrinkles results in a healthier, more youthful appearance.

Unlike "fractional" treatments, Pearl treats the entire face, minimizing the number of required treatments. Typically, only 1-2 treatments are necessary to renew your skin 4-6 weeks apart

Pearl Fractional

Pearl Fractional is a new, fractional, single treatment laser designed to improve imperfections due to aging and sun damage. Pearl Fractional offers the best combination of safety, patient experience and recovery time. Patients also notice a smoother, brighter complexion overall with improved texture, and improved minor wrinkles.

During the procedure, the laser uses heat to create tiny microscopic holes deep in the skin. The process removes sun-damaged tissue and then stimulates the growth of healthy, new skin, full of fresh collagen. This plumps the skin from below, repairing photodamage and other skin imperfections.

Fractional therapy describes a treatment that affects only a fraction or small percentage of the skin. With Pearl Fractional, laser pulses treat damaged cells deep in the skin. This fractional treatment selectively removes columns of tissue leaving surrounding skin intact. This treatment shortens healing time and stimulates the body's own natural process for creating new collagen, plumping the skin from below and reversing photo aging and other imperfections.

Tiny microscopic holes (less than the size of a pore) ensure maximum results in one treatment
Controlled energy means a more comfortable patient experience
Treatments are safe and effective with rapid recovery

Often, with extensive sun damage, Dr. Ellis uses the Pearl and Pearl Fractional together. This is called Pearl Fusion and really helps with the skin's surface as well as the minor wrinkles.

FRAXEL CO2 Re:pair

The range of Fraxel treatments vary in aggressiveness, downtime, number of procedures needed and results. The most aggressive treatment, Fraxel CO2 re:pair, can produce dramatic improvement for severely damaged skin. This is a single treatment procedure, but will require more downtime and after treatment wound care. Fraxel re:pair treatment is a preemptive strike against a facelift. The treatment tightens skin and corrects severe damage. What it treats: wrinkles, irregular texture, age spots/sunspots, sun-induced redness. Downtime: Most return to routine activities after a week. Compared to the Pearl Fractional treatment, this laser is best for more severe skin problems. This laser generates more heat that the Pearl Fractional thus encouraging more laying down of new collagen and skin tightening.

The ideal candidate for laser resurfacing is someone who is physically healthy, realistic in their expectations, and looking to improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, scars, or areas of uneven pigmentation on the face and neck. This procedure may not be appropriate for those patients with darker skin tones including olive, brown, or black as they may be at increased risk for permanent skin pigmentation changes. Laser resurfacing is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and can take place in Dr. Ellis' office-based facility. Local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation is most commonly used, although total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) may be used if requested. Depending upon the size of the area being treated, the procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to two hours to complete. In some severe cases, more than one treatment session may be required. Dr. Ellis will address the recommended number of treatments during the consultation process.

Patients typically experience some mild swelling and minimal discomfort after the procedure which can be controlled by applying ice packs or cold Vaseline, or with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Ellis. Vaseline is applied topically for 7 days to speed the healing process. Redness from the procedure usually lasts a few weeks, although makeup can be worn after 1 week to help conceal it. Most patients are able to return to work approximately 10 days weeks following laser treatment. It is important that patient's avoid strenuous activities for two weeks, and minimize sun exposure until the redness disappears to optimize their results.

The potential complications that can occur with laser resurfacing include abnormal changes in skin pigmentation, scarring, infection, and burns or other heat-related injuries.